What most students fear the most is the speaking part of the exam.
Remember, there is a small chance that lack of knowledge may cause you to lose valuable points in this part of a test: you have spent so much time preparing for this exam. It is highly unlikely you cannot form a sentence. Why then a simple question: “where are you from” leaves you speechless? Let’s face it. In most cases, FEAR and STRESS are to blame.
Well, how do we tackle this problem? I will share with you some low cost, simple tactics that will boost your confidence and help you get a higher score at the speaking part of your exam. Remember, if you are going to merely read them and hope that this will do the job, stop right here and do not waste your valuable time reading this post. Those tips will only work if they are put into practice. Are you ready? Here you go:
- Find out, what are requirements for passing your speaking test. Go to the exam board website and search for information on how you are going to be assessed and what it will look like. Doing so will give you more understanding of the format of the exam and will allow you to prepare for it adequately. This helps to control nervousness because you know what to expect.
- While solving past papers, record yourself. Then play the recording and analyse your answers. Think, what could be improved, what vocabulary would be better, what grammatical structures and phrases you would use to make your writing more complex. Remember, this is your time to shine and impress examiners with your skills.
- Remember that some topics are frequently reused in speaking tests, for example, Environment, Human rights, Education, etc. Build your vocabulary lists around them.
- Do not be worried about your accent. Examiners know that English is not your first language (if it was, you wouldn’t sit this exam, would you?). Your focus should be on demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary and communication skills. However, examiners must be able to understand what you say clearly.
- Be confident. You have a great personality and so many exciting things to say. Do not let fear and stress distract you from being yourself.